AMES, Iowa – Sometimes parenting advice can leave parents feeling defeated and judged. Hearing advice can make parents feel like they are forced to choose between trusting the experts and trusting their instincts, says Mackenzie Johnson, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
“It can be difficult to sort through all of the parenting advice that’s out there, but, ultimately, your parenting decisions can consider research and experts, as well as your own reality with your instincts and your unique family. You don’t have to pick one or the other. The Science of Parenting wants to help make those decisions simpler for Iowa’s parents and caregivers,” said Johnson, who specializes in family life issues.
ISU Extension and Outreach’s Science of Parenting website provides research-based, trustworthy information to help parents make informed decisions.
“We offer research without judgment. You can balance the research we share with your reality, so you can make an informed decision about what is best for your child and your family,” Johnson said.
The Science of Parenting takes a pluralistic approach to parenting, Johnson said, “which basically means we believe there is more than one way to raise great kids! Every child is unique and every family situation is different. Parents need wiggle room to make decisions that make the most sense for their family.”
Science of Parenting has information on rearing children from birth through age 18.
“Whether you have a common question about toddler tantrums or a tough topic like divorce, you can look for answers on our Science of Parenting website. We also publish blog posts on hot topics in the parenting world,” Johnson said.
You can subscribe to receive notifications about new blog posts. You also can follow Science of Parenting on Facebook or @scienceofparent on Twitter.
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